Giethoorn has been one of the top Dutch cities for tourists in the Netherlands, but is it good to visit Giethoorn in Winter? Is it far from Amsterdam by train? So, here we write this post about where to stay and everything you need to know for traveling in Giethoorn in any season.
Is Giethoorn worth a visit?
Yes, for sure. Anyone who has visited Giethoorn loves this place. Here are the top reasons why you should visit!
A village where there is no road for vehicles
Giethoorn is called “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Netherlands” since it is impossible to enjoy it by any means of transportation.
The best way to explore the whole Giethoorn area is by boat tour, which is why this place is so magical.
Old traditional house with unique roofing material
The building in Giethoorn is not like any other building in big cities like Amsterdam; it is very traditional. As you see in the pictures, houses have reed as the primary roofing material.
Enjoy the nature beyond your imagination
Besides the traditional reef roof, you can explore nature by renting a boat. You can have a 1-hour boat rental to enjoy the river view and animals in the area and experience the boat ride yourself in the Netherlands.
You can have a very local Dutch experience in the Netherlands as a tourist, which is unique and unforgettable.
When is the best time to visit Giethoorn?
We’ve been to Giethoorn in Spring, Summer, and Winter, and we would say: that
Giethoorn is beautiful in all seasons. It’s beautiful in Summer, Spring, and Winter, and you see different sides of it in each season. Basically, Giethoorn is a beautiful place, and it looks stunning when the weather is good.
If I have to pick the best season to visit Giethoorn, then Summer is the best, then Spring follows. However, most people visit Giethoorn in these two seasons, and it’s very crowded everywhere. In addition, you can drive a electrical boat all days except Winter.
We went to Giethoorn in Winter a few years ago, and we could barely see any tourists except us.
Moreover, it was freezing cold in Winter, and our accommodation was far from the city center. We were almost crying on our way to the bed & breakfast. Please remember to choose accommodation close to the city center. Otherwise, you would end up crying on the street.
Must-read when traveling in Giethoorn in Winter
- Dutch Winter brings a variety of bad weather. Make sure you keep yourself warm at all times.
- Bring your scarf, gloves, sweater, and down jackets with you. In short: cover yourself up as much as you can.
- If you stay one night at Giethoorn, I highly recommend you stay close to the city center. Otherwise, it is freezing cold to walk in the winter, especially when it is rainy and windy.
- Many shops are closed, but supermarkets are open in Winter.
- Seize the time to walk when the sun is shining.
- Check the bus schedule, like when is the last bus, if you are on a day trip to Giethoorn.
- Daylight in winter is from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Is it possible to visit Giethoorn in one day?
Yes, it is possible, but it can take the whole morning and afternoon.
If you travel from Amsterdam, it takes around 90 minutes one-way to the nearest train station!
Traveling from Schiphol takes around 90 minutes for a single trip, but luckily, you don’t need to change train. You are on the direct train to Giethoorn.
How do you get to Giethoorn by public transportation?
Giethoorn is in the North East of the Netherlands, and it’s easy to get there by public transportation. However, it takes some time to get there. We recommend staying overnight in Giethoorn to enjoy the best of it.
How far is Giethoorn from Amsterdam by train?
It takes around 90 minutes one way by train to the closest station to Giethoorn. Then take the bus to Giethoorn center.
Travel to Giethoorn by train
- Take the NS train to Steenwijk Train Station.
- Take bus No. 70 from Steenwijk Train Station and get off at Dominee Hylkmaweg Stop.
Best ticket to visit Giethoorn yourself
If you plan a day trip to Giethoorn by public transportation, I recommend you buy this ticket.
In this ticket, it includes the following:
- Return ticket to and from Steenwijk Train Station
- The bus ride between Steenwijk Train Station and Giethoorn City Center
- 60 minutes boat ride in Giethoorn
Note: you cannot be on the train during the peak hour, weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30, on weekends, and all day on public holidays. In addition, also not on King’s Day (27th of April)
Day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam? our recommendation!
The easiest way to travel to Geithoorn since it takes at least three and a half hours only by public transportation to reach the destination.
If you prefer to join the local tour, please click here for more information. They are the biggest travel agency in the Netherlands and offer a day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam every day in peak season.
Where to stay in Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is surrounded by a vast natural environment and waterways, attracting many tourists worldwide.
Strongly recommend you to stay overnight and enjoy your breakfast inside the traditional Dutch cottage house since this is what Giethoorn is famous for. Moreover, you can enjoy the peaceful Giethoorn in the evening while walking around the cottage houses and the waterway.
Our top picks for staying in Giethoorn:
| Hotel Name | Theme/Style | Prices from | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&B De Hofstee | Secret backgarden | EUR 120 | Click Here |
| De Galeriet Giethoorn | Has 4-personbedroom | EUR 150 | Click Here |
| Gieters Gruttertje | Ideal for family | EUR 140 | Click Here |
| B&B Heida | Best rating in the area | EUR 100 | Click Here |
| Hotel B&B d’Olde Smidse | Good price & includes breakfast | EUR 90 | Click Here |
| Bed and Breakfast Giethoorn | Good price & includes breakfast | EUR 100 | Click Here |
We advise staying close to the city center, especially if it is in Winter.
B&B De Hofstee and B&B De Galeriet Giethoorn offers the best location for visiting Geithoorn. B&B Heida is a bit far from the city center (around 20 min walk) but they have a really good rating.
If you are a budget traveller, Hotel B&B d’Olde Smidse and Bed and Breakfast Giethoorn is your best option.
Where to eat in Giethoorn
Grab some food at the local supermarkets
If you are on a budget, grab some food at the nearest supermarket! There is some simple microwave food; you can heat them at the store.
Our top choice for dinner restaurants!
If you’d like to savor good food, visit Hollands Venetie!
It’s quite a distance from Giethoorn center, but trust me, it is worth it! If you are in Giethoorn by car, you should visit there.
The restaurant offers Dutch cuisine and also delicious spare ribs! We recommend this place to all our friends visiting Giethoorn!
Things to do in Giethoorn
Join a boat tour
Taking a boat tour is the best way to explore Giethoorn. Please do not save money on this! This is why you come to Giethoorn!
Pro tip: take the boat during the off-peak hours to avoid the crowd (quieter)! You can experience Giethoorn a lot more if it’s fewer people.
Have a walk in the area
Besides taking a boat, you should also walk in the area, you will find small things in the village, like their decoration and design. Most importantly, experience the atmosphere of living there!
The best time to walk is in the early morning or after six in the evening. Most tourists have left the village; it is the best time to enjoy the Giethoorn vibe.
Rent a bike
Please cycle around the area. It is impossible to cycle in the center of the Geithoorn village, but there is more to explore nearby.
Cycling in the area is the best way to experience local life!
Rent a boat to explore the area yourself
Besides joining a tour boat ride, it is also possible to rent a boat yourself, and it is affordable.
We navigated the boat ourselves and always remembered this experience after so many years!
Need to learn how to navigate a boat? Nope! The owner will show you, and trust me; it is elementary. We had never tried it before, but we still survived!
Have a picnic
As mentioned, the atmosphere is pleasant at Giethoorn, so having a picnic with your travel partners is excellent.
Just grab some food from the supermarkets and enjoy your lunch there. You can have a unique experience.
Take Instagram pictures
Over the internet, there are millions of great photos of Giethoorn!
Take some time to snap the best moment here and share them with your family and friends!
Have fun with cats
Dutch people love to have cats more than dogs as their pets.
If you walk in the area, you might have cats as your best travel buddy! They are friendly! A cat followed us along the way, and it was fun!
